If you look up to today’s skies, it comes as no surprise that Malta and Gozo are in for a murky few days. A blanket of grey has settled over the islands, and with it comes the return of an all-too-familiar nuisance – blood rain, or ‘xita tal-ħamrija’ as it’s known locally.

Driven by a strong southeasterly wind, desert-like conditions are sweeping across the Maltese Islands, bringing hazy skies, high humidity, and the chance of light, dusty rain through to Wednesday 16th April. While the actual chances of rainfall remain relatively low at around 45%, even a few droplets could be enough to leave a reddish trail on your car, windows, or freshly cleaned balcony furniture.

Expect strong gusts to persist through today, calming slightly by mid-week to a more manageable Force 3 to 4. But don’t get too comfortable – Thursday 17th April will see the wind picking up again, shifting direction to a brisk Force 6 coming from the West Northwest.

The good news is that same wind change should finally sweep away the muggy, humid conditions that will have been lingering since the start of the week. There’s also the possibility of an isolated shower on Thursday as the weather transitions.

From Thursday afternoon through to Sunday 20th April, conditions are expected to stabilise, paving the way for mostly fine weather – this bodes well for Easter weekend festivities.

Looking forward to the return to blue skies?